King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 4:2 Mean?

Nehemiah 4:2 in the King James Version says “And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themsel...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? fortify: Heb. leave to themselves”

Nehemiah 4:2 · KJV

Context

1

But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

2

And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? fortify: Heb. leave to themselves

3

Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

4

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: despised: Heb. despite

Read Nehemiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

This verse within Nehemiah 4 addresses themes of opposition, perseverance, prayer and work, spiritual warfare. Opposition intensifies as the work progresses, requiring both spiritual response (prayer) and practical measures (armed defense). This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nehemiah 4:2 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 22

“And he spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִפְנֵ֣י2 of 22

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶחָ֗יו3 of 22

“his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְחֵיל֙4 of 22

“and the army”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן5 of 22

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר6 of 22

“And he spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָ֛ה7 of 22
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הַיְּהוּדִ֥ים8 of 22

“Jews”

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

הָאֲמֵֽלָלִ֖ים9 of 22

“these feeble”

H537

languid

עֹשִׂ֑ים10 of 22

“What do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הֲיַֽעַזְב֨וּ11 of 22

“will they fortify”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

לָהֶ֤ם12 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הֲיִזְבָּ֙חוּ֙13 of 22

“themselves will they sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

הַיְכַלּ֣וּ14 of 22

“will they make an end”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

בַיּ֔וֹם15 of 22

“in a day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַיְחַיּ֧וּ16 of 22

“will they revive”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

אֶת17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאֲבָנִ֛ים18 of 22

“the stones”

H68

a stone

מֵֽעֲרֵמ֥וֹת19 of 22

“out of the heaps”

H6194

a heap; specifically, a sheaf

הֶֽעָפָ֖ר20 of 22

“of the rubbish”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

וְהֵ֥מָּה21 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

שְׂרוּפֽוֹת׃22 of 22

“which are burned”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 4:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 4:9-101 Corinthians 1:271 Samuel 17:43-44Habakkuk 3:2Ezekiel 37:3-13Nehemiah 4:10

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in Nehemiah 4 →

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